Govt justifies police action against Ramdev

Government today justified policeaction to end Ramdev’s agitation saying the Yoga Guruhad violated the undertaking for permission and had even backed out on his assurances.

Union Minister Kapil Sibal, who was holding negotiations with Ramdev over the last few days, said there were apprehensions about law and order situation in Delhi as Ramdev had collected 50,000 people for “political aasan” although he had sought permission for a yoga camp for a gathering of 5,000 only. “It was not a Yoga platform, but a political platform.The law and order had to be enforced in Delhi.

We did not want any disruptions in that,” he told reporters.

To a question, he said the party and the governmentwere united on the police action.“Absolutely 100 per cent. No such action takes place without 100 per cent unity in thegovernment and the party,” the minister said. He rejected BJP’s allegations that the crackdown was reminiscent of Emergency.

Sibal alleged that Ramdev was in league withthe RSS as he referred to the presence of Sadvi Ritambhara in his protest. The Union Minister said Ramdev was not a trustworthy person as he had “cheated” the government and also his followers. “He reached an agreement with the government but didnot tell it to his followers,” Sibal said. He said government and Ramdev had reached an understanding as per which the Yoga Guru was supposed to announce calling off his strike by yesterday afternoon, but he did not honour the commitment. “Despite assurances he did not make the announcement.We were in touch with him over phone. We waited till 5 pm.When he did not give statement we decided to go to press. We told him that,” Sibal explained, referring to making public the letter written by one of his close associate. “If he backs out, how will we trust him,” the minister questioned.